The investment management and real estate servies company released a report, Globalisation and Competition: A New World of Cities, in which it indentified cities that have experienced rapid economic growth and real estate development, and have benefited from mixed-use schemes and trophy developments. The cities are gateways for international firms, trade, and investment.

Mexico City is the only North American city on the list. JLL noted that the city, which is home to 20 million people, has focused on civic innovation and has plans for an airport that will serve 50 million people each year.

Shanghai is the sixth-most globalized city in the world, according to the report. The Chinese city is developing the Qiantan Zone, a business district, and a Disneyland.

Istanbul has experienced the most growth in air connectivity during 2014. The city in Turkey is building a massive airport, a bridge, and an undersea rail tunnel.